Senior wide receiver Manny Bolmer didn’t mince his words about his team’s convincing 28-0 shutout at Mahanoy Area in the Rough Riders season opening victory. It was the Roughies’ first shutout since they blanked Marian, 28-0, in Sept, 8, 2023.

“This was a great win for all of us, especially earning the shutout,” beamed Bolmer, who had 48 yards rushing and 58 receiving with a touchdown from each. “It means a lot to all of us and gives us high hopes for the rest of the season.”

Those high hopes can continue to ascent for the Roughies when they host Wilson in their home opener Friday night at Alumni Field. Northwestern routed Wilson, 47-0, in their season opener. The Warriors have lost 31 straight games.

Second–year head coach Joe Henrich saw it as a solid effort on both sides of the ball. The Roughies limited Mahanoy 134 total yards, 35 passing and 99 rushing.

“Our defense was a team effort. They were a dive-option team, which required our players to play within the system, and they did that. Manny was outstanding as always. He had some big catches and runs. He is a special player.”

Roughies’ starting quarterback Aide Reilly didn’t play in the second half due to an injury. Catty had a commanding 21-0 lead at the half. Freshman Gio Ojeda finished the game for the Roughies.

Reilly, though, liked what he saw.

“I feel it was huge win to start the season,” gushed Reilly. “There were still a couple little mistakes all around that we can easily fix, but overall we were very solid. The offense clicked very well.

“I had a couple of connections to some guys that helped our momentum early. I loved what I saw out of everyone, but I have to give a lot of credit to Gio for stepping up and finishing the game for us.”

Like his quarterback, Henrich saw plenty of positives.

“I think we are in a good place,” said Henrich “I’m not sure I had an exact expectation of where we would be, but I am happy with where we are. As a coach, we always look forward to what we can be, and I think this group has a high ceiling.”

ROUGHIE RUMBLINGS: Wilson’s last win was a 42-34 victory over Notre Dame on Oct. 10, 2021 ... Reilly’s injury status is questionable for Friday and it is a day-to-day process. He completed 6 of 12 attempts for 162 yards and ran for nine yards. Ojeda was 3 for 3 for 20 yards and a touchdown. Reilly is expected back in Week 3 ... Senior Tray Dunn was the Roughies’ leading ground gainer with 68 yards and a touchdown ... Junior Omar Pacheco Jr. caught three passes for 105 yards ... Dunn had a team-high 11 tackles, and junior Chase Kratochvil added eight stops ... Senior Cadeo Estronza returned a punt 42 yards for a touchdown ... Northwestern limited Wilson to nine yards rushing and 60 yards passing... Catty has won the last two meetings, 34-14 last year, and 41-34 in 2020. Wilson’s last win was 53-8 in 2019.

PREDICTION (Season record 1-0): This should be a gimme for the Roughies. It will be a matter of not taking Wilson lightly and taking charge in the opening quarter. Catty had 177 yards rushing last week, and they should be able to add to that. Roughies will look to Ojeda to manage the game, and their defense to pitch another shutout ... Hey, coach Snyder, I can envision three Yocco’s hot dogs and an order of pierogies ... ROUGHIES, 31-0.